STRENGTHS: Plays with confidence and poise, and covers the net well. Very good at handling the puck.WEAKNESSES: Consistency has been an issue with Fernandez since he has entered the league.

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WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:

"The rookie was somewhat shaky in his first camp, but has been spectacular with the Kalamazoo Wings of the International League. Fernandez is a high-risk, high-return goalie [who] has athletic talent and quickness. The Stars' goalie situation is solid, but Fernandez is projected as the goalie of the future. (Mike Heika, The Hockey News Future Watch 1995)

"Late-bloomer has seen acton with big team, continues to make progress, but still has work to do. (Mike Heika, The Hockey News Future Watch 1998)

"Has not been able to stick with the Stars. The 3rd-round pick Dallas traded to Quebec to acquire Fernandez was used to select last year's Calder Trophy winner Chris Drury. A decent goaltender who should see his only taste of regular NHL action this season. With Roman Turek now in St. Louis, Fernandez has the No. 2 job with the Stars...at least for now. Marty Turco is one of Dallas' top prospects." (The Sports Forecaster 1999-2000, p. 200)

"Acquired by the Wild prior the expansion draft, Fernandez will be in a strong battle at training camp for the No. 1 spot. After a complete season as Ed Belfour's backup in Dallas, he should see significantly more playing time in Minnesota. Cool under pressure. At the right age to take his game to the next level. The nephew of coach Jacques Lemaire, Fernandez may have a better chance of sticking with the expansion franchise than his competitors do." (The Sports Forecaster 2000-01, p. 182)

"Despite sharing time with Jamie McLennan, Fernanez set a new record for goals-against average by an expansion goaltender with his 2.24 mark in 42 appearances. He also tied the expansion record for shutouts (4). The former Dallas Stars backup solidified the goaltending position in Minnesota and erased all doubts about his ability to shine in the lead role. Fernandez was voted the Wild's MVP, a well-deserved honor since he finished the season two games over .500. The 27-year-old is entering the prime of his career. He would love to start more games for the Wild and his coaches may oblige. Fernandez might be one of those late-blooming goaltenders that very often become all-star performers." (The Sports Forecaster 2001-02, p. 188)

"If 2000-01 was a major breakthrough year for Fernandez, last season proved to be a major setback. A year ago, the Wild believed he was their franchise goalie but now have questions as to his long-term potential. Fernandez was badly outplayed by Dwayne Roloson, a fringe NHLer, last season. When on his game, he is as quick as a cat and shows lots of confidence. However, he's prone to letting in bad goals from what appears to be a lack of concentration It's imperative that Fernandez bounces back to previous form if the Wild are to take the next step towards playoff contention." (The Sports Forecaster 2002-03, p. 182)

"Fernandez turned in a solid campaign in 2003-04, though it paled next to Dwayne Roloson's heroics. In fact, Fernandez sat out eight straight games - usually unheard of in Minnesota - down the stretch. He needs a change of scenery, because he appears to have lost the battle to Roloson in Minny." (The Sports Forecaster 2005-06, p. 100)

TRANSACTIONS:

Selected by Quebec Nordiques in third round (fourth Nordiques pick, 52nd overall) of National Hockey League entry draft, June 20, 1992.

Game logs have been compiled using the best information that I can find; for a detailed list of known concerns, please click here. I am always looking for assistance in making these more accurate, and welcome your help. For the 1983-84 season and prior, one of my key sources was the Hockey Summary Project, a tremendous resource and one of the best data collections on the Internet. In return, I have attempted to make these data better where possible.